Mineralogical and physico-chemical characterization of barite wastes from Ain Mimoun deposit (Khenchela, Algeria)

Abstract

Purpose. Mineralogical and physicochemical study conducted on barite wastes from Ain Mimoun deposit (Alge ria) aimed at characterizing theses wastes which occupy thousands of hectares in the vicinity of the plant and present a crucial problem for the population and environment. methodology. The investigation was carried out by XRay Diffractions (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), XRay Fluorescence (XRF), Infrared Rays (IR) and microscopy analysis in addition to thin sections analysis. Findings. On the one hand, the wastes contain the sulfate of barium as a useful mineral with an acceptable grade of 19.7 %, and, on the other hand, they contain associated gangue minerals that are represented by calcite and silica (17 and 46.1 % respectively) in addition to clays as presented by alumina oxide (8.32 %). Originality. The originality of this research is the characterization of theses wastes with the purpose of confirming their negative effect on the population and environment which poses a crucial problem. Practical value. The results obtained supplement the information on barite wastes of Ain Mimoun and allow sug gesting a suitable enrichment method which will be applied with the aim of obtaining a highgrade barite ore comply ing with the requirements of consumers.

Mineralogical and granulo-chemical characterization of veins 4 and 10, of Ain Mimoun baryte ore mine

“…1. Geographical location of the studied area:a -geographic map of Algeria; b -DTM digital terrain model of the area of the studied mines[9]…”